2008 Inductees

James F. Laughter, Jr.

Coach Laughter taught at Hendersonville High School, Hendersonville Middle School and Bruce Drysdale. He inspired many students who played athletics for him to excel beyond their own expectations and find success beyond athletics. His dedication to his profession and the many students he coached and taught over the years has enriched the Bearcat family.

Jeffery Miller

Jeff comes from a long line of relatives who graduated from Hendersonville High School. After graduating from Appalachian State University, Jeff returned to Hendersonville and his family’s business, Miller’s Laundry and Cleaning, Inc., which he now owns and operates. Although Jeff has a very long and distinguished history of community involvement, he is perhaps most recognized for his founding efforts of Honor Air, a program that strives to take World War II veterans to Washington, DC at no expense to them to see the WWII Memorial. Jeff is also a husband, father and is certainly an asset to our community.

Candy Priest

Candy has spent 29 years in public education as both a teacher in the classroom and an administrator. Her community work is extensive, including Special Olympics and numerous civic activities. Candy’s dedication to her profession and her community are in the best Bearcat tradition of giving back to the community.

Ethelyn (Lynn) Roberts

Mrs. Roberts returned to HHS in 1969 where she had a distinguished career teaching English, working with the Drama Department, and actively participating in many areas of the high school outside the classroom. Her love of theatre has spanned her lifetime and among many other achievements is a charter member of the Hendersonville Little Theatre.

Harry Swofford

Mr. Swofford taught math at HHS from 1953 to 1972. He is remembered by many students as a demanding, inspiring teacher who instilled a work ethic that went beyond the study of mathematics. His rigorous lessons and classroom decorum set a high standard for the pursuit of any academic path of study.

Wendy Wilkins

Wendy was a Bearcat through and through, joining her mother, father, brothers and sister as Hendersonville High graduates. After graduating from the University of Miami (Florida), Ms. Wilkins taught drama and music and pursued her acting career. She performed in Disney World and was a well known actor at the Flat Rock Playhouse. Wendy was also a wife and a loving mother of three children. Although Wendy passed away in 1999, she continues to inspire those who knew her and remember her for her energy and passion.